Shaping the nature of the Territory

The Story

The ACT-NSW BorderThe Australian Constitution allowed for a national capital, and a capital territory, to be created. The Constitution underpinned Federation in 1901. The Australian Capital Territory (originally Federal Capital Territory) came into being following the decision to site the national capital in the Yass-Canberra area in 1908. NSW surveyor Charles Scrivener was commissioned by the Federal Government to advise on where the city might be located and where the territory border should run. In determining the latter, Scrivener was guided particularly by the government’s desire to protect the city’s water supply by incorporating the water catchment within the territorial border. Scrivener and other members of an advisory board first suggested a horseshoe-shaped territory incorporating the Queanbeyan and Googong areas but after discussion with the NSW Premier certain adjustments saw the border evolve to the shape we know today. The definition of the border was contained in legislation passed in 1909 and which came into force in 1911.

It had been agreed between the Federal and NSW governments that the border, as physically marked on the ground by surveyors working under Scrivener, would be the agreed line. Beginning in 1910, Surveyor Percy Sheaffe commenced the task and he surveyed over 180 km of the 306 km border. Surveyor Harry Mouat surveyed over 90 km of the border, and third surveyor Frederick Johnston surveyed nearly 30klms. The survey was completed in 1915.

Sketch Map of the Federal Territory dated 1920. nla.cdc-10384348

Survey marks and reference treesThe border was marked at each point where it changed bearing, at mile points and at certain other points. Survey marks included timber posts, concrete-filled downpipes and other pipes, concrete cylinders, spikes set in concrete, and other marks, each with a line of stones or lockspit indicating the bearings at the mark.

Wherever possible, surveyors hand-chiselled engravings into a nearby tree (known as a reference tree) which referred to the mark, so that the mark could be found in future, or reinstated if lost. The engraved inscriptions usually include the Commonwealth survey arrow, the letters CT (Commonwealth Territory) and in the case of mile trees, the number of miles from the beginning of the survey at Mt Coree.

Lockspit at mark H87. The original Mouat Tree was located to the right. Image courtesy Matthew Higgins

Of those surviving a century later many are in poor condition with illegible engravings. In a decade from now few if any of the surviving border reference trees will exist. Time has and will continue to take its toll.

From deep in the southern ranges of Namadgi National Park the trunk of one of the surviving border marker reference trees has now been salvaged – air-lifted out by helicopter complete with its distinctive ‘blaze’. This iconic historic symbol, now known as ‘The Mouat Tree’, has been relocated to the grounds of the Namadgi National Park Visitor Information Centre, Tharwa.

Under the stewardship and guidance of Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), this relic is now receiving conservation treatment, preserving its intrinsic heritage values as the basis of an exciting interpretive structure.

Contribute to The Mouat Tree Project

Canberra and Region Heritage Festival

18th April - 7th MayApril 18th, 2017

The 2017 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 constitutional referendum that saw Indigenous Australians finally included in the census, and thus as Australian citizens. Consequently the 2017 festival theme ‘Questions & Change’ will focus on commemorating this historic event as we continue the national conversation around Indigenous inclusion, recognition and celebration of our unique cultural heritage.
The ‘sense of place’ that heritage provides helps us to understand where we have come from and to define our identity. Heritage gives the community a sense of connection and continuity in the story of progression through time, enabling our journey to continue into the future. ‘Questions and Change’ also includes the diverse range of voices that make up the Australian identity, particularly from traditionally excluded groups such as Aboriginal, women and non-European Australians.
http://www.environment.act.gov.au/heritage/heritage-and-the-community/heritage_festival

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